The Three Ways Retailers Buy

ByAmyFay Chandler

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

— Tony Robbins

When I was a retailer I would describe my buying style as intuitive with eye-balling. I was good. I loved it. I sold a ton for the space my business occupied.

But if I knew then what I know now. OMG.

Before I started working with Tango, I spent about 4 years buying for a group of stores owned by some wonderful people who filled in my missing blanks – the data money part. Kind of important. Right?

So after my amazing 2024 with y’all and as we start 2025 together, I thought it would be helpful to share some simple yet powerful buying insights.

Local Retailers: 3 Common Buying “Practices”

  • Intuition
  • Eye-Balling
  • Data

Intuition

Summarized by Gemini, sourced here:

“Scientists believe that the unconscious mind analyzes a situation and compares it to past experiences, knowledge, and patterns to reach a conclusion. This conclusion or feeling then guides behavior.”

Intuition does not necessarily get better with experience.

Eye-Balling

Looking at the physical inventory on the sales floor and/or in the stockroom to figure out what is missing or needed.

This is an extremely common practice although that is changing.

Data

Using data to figure out what to buy.

I remember disliking spreadsheets. People who knew me then remember.

But now? I can’t get enough. Get the data lined up right – and bingo – the best decisions appear right in front of you.

It’s like magic – and it is so much fun watching the bottom line grow!

Think about your 2024.

Do you want to land in the same place at the end of 2025?

While I am thrilled about 2024, I want to grow more as a person and in business in 2025.

If you want different results, you have to do things differently. That’s why intuition doesn’t necessarily get better with experience.

If you always think and do things the same way – how can you improve?

I am here to be as helpful as I can for you.

I love working with you and am grateful every day for the opportunity.

Hoping I see you this month in Atlanta. There are inspirational sparks waiting.

Do things you can’t do from your computer.
Say “Hi” to old friends & make new ones.
Touch & feel products. Take pictures of displays.
But remember – people are the most important.

With love for a great 2025 –
xoxo,
❤️ AmyFay

I’m AmyFay Chandler, a Knoxville-based wholesale sales rep serving independent retailers in Tennessee and Kentucky through Tango Showroom. I also represent Sweet Tree Jewelry and Caroline B Cook nationwide. Before I became a rep, I built two T-shirt lines, ran my own retail business, bought home and gift for Elder’s Ace Hardware, and worked with Werner Frank. I have been the maker, buyer, retailer, rep, and person at the register, so I evaluate every line from the store floor first.

I write the Morning Retail Tidbit and Friday Retail Tidbits to help local retailers buy smarter, merchandise with intention, and keep their stores valuable.

You Might Also Like